Congress considering increasing weight limit to haul more freight

Federal and state governments are exploring an idea of packing trucks with more freight in an effort to ship more products with fewer tractor-trailers on the road. However, many motorists and companies are weary that this may be a safety concern, The Patriot-News reported.

A proposal from Congress will allow the weight limit of trucks on interstate highways from 80,000 to 97,000. Many feel that heavier trucks may worsen interstate roads and bridges, which may compromise trucking safety as well as for other motorists.

Some companies feel that heavier rigs would mean fewer trucks to haul freight, which could lead to less fuel consumption and cleaner air. However, if Congress passes the proposal, it will fall to individual state governments to pass further legislation to allow larger trucks on interstates within their borders.

"I have hauled gross loads over 120,000 pounds, but I never felt unsafe," Bill Adams, a truck driver for 30 years, told the news source. "We were required by permit to have X amount of axles depending on the weight. That truck stopped just as good as any other truck."

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 2 million roadside truck inspection - which examines the number of axles compared to weight - were conducted in 2010.

By Anna Byrne

Congress considering increasing weight limit to haul more freight

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011